How to Crochet the Criss Cross Stitch Step by Step
Good day, Crafties!
Today I bring you my first popular crochet tutorial, the Criss Cross stitch!
The criss cross stitch creates raised X-shaped stitches that look woven, yet the technique uses only basic crochet techniques. This textured fabric adds depth to blankets, scarves, hats, bags, pillows, and baskets without colorwork.
This tutorial uses US crochet terms and covers the yarn, foundation chain, crossed double crochet, row repeats, repairs, blocking, and project ideas.
Materials
4 weight yarn
5.00mm crochet hook
scissors
Choose Yarn and Hook Combinations That Show the Texture
Choose smooth, medium-weight yarn in a light or mid-tone color. Fuzzy, highly textured, or very dark yarn can hide the crossed stitches.
A larger hook creates more drape and a softer fabric, using a smaller hook makes the fabric firmer, but the stitches may become harder to cross. Fiber content also affects the result.
Make a small swatch before starting a full project. You’ll see how clearly the crosses show and whether the fabric feels flexible enough. This will also give you insight on whether you need to block it later or not (I recommend doing so!)
Making the Foundation Chain & Establishing the First Row
Chain an even number of stitches, plus 1.
Single crochet into the second chain from your hook to the end of the row. Keep the foundation chain loose so the lower edge doesn’t pucker.
How to Crochet the Criss Cross Stitch Step by Step
Identify the Two Stitches That Form Each Cross
Turn your work and chain 3. This turning chain counts as a double crochet.
For the criss cross repeat, skip the next stitch, double crochet in the following stitch, then return to the skipped stitch.
Work the second double crochet in the top loops of the skipped stitch, passing behind the first double crochet. The two stitches overlap and form an X.
Each repeat uses two stitches, and the crossed stitches in this version line up from row to row.
Repeat Across the Row While Preserving the Stitch Count
Repeat the crossed pair across the row: skip one stitch, double crochet in the next, then double crochet in the skipped stitch. With the correct stitch count, you'll have one (1) stitch left after your final pair. Simply make a double crochet into that stitch.
If the final stitches don’t fit a full repeat, stop and check your count. Don’t force an extra cross into a partial space. Before turning, look for even openings, clear X shapes, and straight edges.
After each row of criss crosses, you'll chain one (1), single crochet the base of that chain one and into each stitch along.
For this tutorial, repeat the same crossed pairs on every other row. The X shapes align in columns, creating an orderly woven texture.
Maintain Even Tension Along the Edges
Don’t pull the yarn too tight over the skipped stitch before returning to work it. Tight skipped areas can shrink the row and make the crosses lean. Count stitches after every row on your practice swatch. For a larger piece, place stitch markers ever so often if you find the stitches hard to see.
In my sample, I was able to maintain even tension across my rows so it didn't really need blocking. However, at scale you might find the need to!
Turn the Stitch Into Finished Crochet Projects
Use Criss Cross Texture for Warm Accessories
The dense texture works well for scarves, cowls, hats, and headbands...I might even recommend using this stitch for sweaters. A simple single crochet or half-double crochet border can stabilize scarf and cowl edges, just use a larger hook if the fabric feels stiff while working it.
Apply the Pattern to Blankets and Home Décor
You can use this criss cross texture on a number of home decor project as well. It suits blankets, pillow covers, baskets, placemats, and table runners (Use crochet thread for the latter two!) Plan the border before starting, neat plain edging often frames the texture better than a busy one. Though after revisiting this stitch, I think the picot stitch might pair well with it on pillows and place mats! Keep row tension steady, especially on large blankets, where small changes can alter the shape.
Finish, Block, and Evaluate the Criss Cross Fabric
Secure the Final Row and Weave in Ends
Fasten off with a tail long enough to weave through several stitches. Thread it through the textured fabric in more than one direction, taking care not to flatten the raised X shapes.
Trim the excess only after the tail feels secure. Adding a border is really optional and should depend on whether or not you're satisfied with how the final product looks.
Block the Fabric to Define the Crosses
Check the yarn label before using water or heat. Spray blocking suits many acrylic pieces, while wet blocking often works well for wool and cotton. Steam blocking can help some fibers, but keep heat away from acrylic unless the care label allows it.
Pin the fabric to its planned size without stretching it too far. Let it dry fully before removing the pins. Blocking can straighten edges and improve stitch definition.
I hope this article was helpful to you! While I no longer produce stitch tutorials, I'm enjoying this process of breathing new life into my older instructions. If you'd like to support my content and this blog, consider purchasing a pattern from the handmade shop or checking out my pattern club, Hey Craftepreneur!
Until next time,
Happy Making!
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